Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Presenter: Corky Kuhlmann

Action
Land Acquisition - Yoakum, Cochran and Terry Counties
Yoakum Dunes Preserve
May 23, 2013

I.       Executive Summary:  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been offered a donation to acquire additional land to be added to Yoakum Dunes Preserve (YDP).

II.     Discussion:  TPWD has been given a donation that will be matched with federal funds for the acquisition of Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) habitat, to be added to YDP, which was created as a safe haven for lesser prairie chickens, whose habitat beyond the preserve faces pressure from energy development and fragmentation of the land, increased conversion of native grassland to cropland and unsustainable grazing.

TPWD has committed funds to acquire approximately 4000-5000 acres of rangeland that is suitable for LPC habitat.  Staff has identified four tracts containing LPC habitat and is in negotiations with the owners regarding the sale of their properties to TPWD to be managed in conjunction with the Yoakum Dunes Preserve.

III.    Recommendation:  The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire 4000-5000 acres of land as an addition to Yoakum Dunes Preserve.”

Attachments – 3

  1. Exhibit A – Location Map
  2. Exhibit B – Vicinity Map
  3. Exhibit C – Site Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit A

Yoakum, Cochran, and Terry Counties

Yoakum, Cochran, and Terry Counties


Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map
Yoakum Dunes Preserve

Vicinity Map - Yoakum Dunes Preserve


Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit C

Site Map

Site Map